-With 20 paintings in a range of artistic styles, The Crowell Art Gallery at Moore Free Library's current exhibit, "The Art of Illusion," sets a goal: to "create something that isn't there and make it believable."
Artist Nancy Calicchio would love people to respond "to not only the traditional landscapes I've been painting for a number of years and showing, but also for some of the almost abstract landscapes that I'm showing in this show," she says.
The exhibit runs through Aug. 29.
Calicchio, of Putney, has been painting for almost 20 years, taking it up shortly after she retired in 2006 from a 45-year career in education.
"I didn't know, when I retired, what I was going to do, and I didn't really paint before I retired. I worked too hard," she says. "I think I stumbled into it."
She did so after a three-day workshop with "a brilliant first teacher," and she was "so excited that I said to myself, 'I will try this.'"
Calicchio committed to creating 100 paintings before deciding whether she would stick with it. She did, and she was "hooked," she says.
"I think the big deal for me was the learning how to paint. In the very beginning I didn't understand anything. And later I could look those notes and say, 'Ah, now I understand it.' So it's been a wonderful, great experience to become a painter." Calicchio says.
Her pleasure in painting is "creating the illusion of depth."
"That's the fun - to create something that isn't there," Calicchio says, describing her different techniques, including her favorite, the "atmospheric perspective."
The farther the distance of the subject, "the less color you have in what you're looking at. Because of the air quality, you're screening out your reds and your yellows. And what you're left with is kind of this wonderful blue, sometimes blue-green."
Calicchio came to Vermont in 1963 when she was 23 years old and purchased her house in 1966.
"And I am so grateful that I've lived my life here. This is the most beautiful place. And I'm inspired...all the time." Calicchio says.
'For the art to start, start creating'
Calicchio has advice for aspiring painters: "For the art to start, start creating. I think you just have to commit ... and get support."
She said she was fortunate to have a number of friends who were artists and supported her early artistic efforts.
Every time she painted a painting, she would ask a friend for their opinion.
"I just think find like-minded people to help you, and later you can help them," Calicchio said.
"The Art of Illusion" is on display through Friday, Aug. 29 at the Crowell Art Gallery at the Moore Free Library, 23 West St. The private library is supported by the residents of Newfane. Admission is free. Hours for the library and gallery: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 1 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: moorefreelibrary.org/crowell-gallery/.
This Arts item by Alyssa Grosso was written for The Commons.